Between Two Worlds: Chinese Students in America During the Qing Dynasty, 1818-1912

This presentation will explore educational exchanges between China and the United States during the Qing Empire (1644-1912), examining how America used education as a form of soft power to influence China's modernization. The study will trace these exchanges from the early 19^th-century missionary efforts to the Boxer Indemnity Scholarship program, focusing on key initiatives like the Foreign Mission School (1818) and the Chinese Educational Mission (1872-1881). It will analyze historical trends and individual case studies based on diverse primary sources using both macro and micro perspectives. The research will argue that while avoiding the imperialist label, the United States functioned as a quasi-imperialist force through its educational initiatives in China. These efforts, evolving from missionary work to government-sponsored programs, aimed to shape China's future leadership and strengthen American influence. The presentation will discuss the complex outcomes of these exchanges, including their role in China's modernization, the creation of lasting connections between the two countries, and the cultural tensions and challenges faced by Chinese students in America.

Chris Dawe holds degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Pennsylvania. With over a decade of experience in China, he currently serves as a principal at an international school. His passion for Chinese history and baseball sparked his interest in the Chinese Educational Mission, inspiring this PhD project on educational exchanges between China and the United States during the Qing Dynasty.